SENSURILE TEXTULUI SACRU ÎN EXEGEZA BIBLICĂ A SFÂNTULUI IOAN GURĂ DE AUR
SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM’S VIEW ON BIBLICAL EXEGETICAL METHODS (LITERAL AND SPIRITUAL SENSES)

Author(s): Eusebiu Borca
Subject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Philosophy, Theology and Religion, Philosophy of Religion, Biblical studies, Hermeneutics
Published by: Editura Eikon
Keywords: St. John Chrysostom, biblical exegesis; biblical hermeneutics; biblical literal sense; biblical spiritual sense;
Summary/Abstract: In Chrysostom’s exegetical works, we find the main rules of hermeneutics, which must consider for a correct interpretation. Even if it is an inspired book and the lead author is God, the Bible is the result of cooperation between divinity and humanity. Like Jesus Christ was incarnated in human flesh, so the Word was "incarnated" in the letter of Scripture, to be accessible for his creature. Thus, the external form (the letter) is the human component, instead, the spiritual meaning, the spirit of Scripture reveals the divine Author. The interpretation of Scripture is an activity that must be carried out, combining both intellectual faculties, but especially spiritual ones. As a first step to deepening, Chrysostom recommends all Christians to read the Bible daily, incessantly. The riches found in this book, must be, then, spread to others, so that, they share the benefit of God's Word, so necessary for human life. All these divine precepts must not remain only at the level of thought or word, but these must be translated into deeds. The Bible is a book that should be lived, and through his life, Chrysostom has shown that this is possible. To discover the meaning of Scripture, Chrysostom was used historical and literal meaning. Because of this, he will be considered: the exponent of this method of biblical interpretation. However, Chrysostom calls for closer scrutiny to penetrate the meaning of Scripture and he recognizes the existence of a spiritual sense. By his exegesis Chrysostom has made important contributions to clarify the biblical texts but also to establish rules for the interpretation of the Bible. By his exegetical works, Chrysostom remained forever a model and an authority. .

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